Tiger's Playing Partner at Masters: Woods Unfairly Criticized for Drop

One of Tiger Woods’s playing partners at this year’s Masters said Woods has been unfairly criticized for his illegal drop on the 15th hole during the second day of the tournament.

Scott Piercy, who was paired with Woods along with Luke Donald, on that fateful day he “didn’t give it much thought” during the round. A viewer called in to report Woods’s violation, which Piercy said should be eliminated from the game.

“I don’t think it’s fair that he was put under that much scrutiny, that somebody could call in and penalize him or try to get him disqualified. I think that’s something that needs to be taken out of golf completely,” Piercy told SB Nation. “In no way was he trying to cheat. It just brings up questions that make him look bad … If it was me, nobody would have ever heard about it.”

Woods had to take a drop when his approach shot to the par-5 hole hit the flagstick and went in the water. Had is shot not hit the flagstick, Woods would have likely been in position to take the lead in the tournament.